Governor Polis, Department of Natural Resources Express Concern Over Colorado River Environmental Impact Statement

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DENVER ~ In response to the Bureau of Reclamation's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Post-2026 Operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, Colorado has submitted comments outlining their concerns and proposed solutions. As a headwaters state with significant rights and interests in the Colorado River, Colorado is advocating for a sustainable management framework that addresses the depleted storage in the two lakes and minimizes risk for all those who rely on the river.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage in this process and emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that benefits everyone while protecting long-term operations for the river. He stated, "The Colorado River is a life source for so many in our state and across the country, and we are working in good faith to reach an agreement that works for everyone and protects long-term operations for the River."

However, according to Colorado's comment letter, there are several flaws in the DEIS. These include including federal actions outside of the Secretary of Interior's authorities, inadequate shortages in the Lower Basin to protect the system, and reliance on water that does not exist to make certain alternatives work.

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Becky Mitchell, Colorado River Commissioner, highlighted how much the river has changed over the last two decades and stressed that operating rules must also adapt. She stated, "The current rules have not done enough to protect Lake Powell and Lake Mead, and it's clear that a future management framework must better respond to today's reality." Mitchell also expressed appreciation for Interior's consideration as they finalize the Environmental Impact Statement.

Lauren Ris, Director of Colorado Water Conservation Board, emphasized that future management of the Colorado River must be sustainable, supply-driven, and aligned with equitable division as outlined in various laws. She stated that relying on past management strategies will not solve present or future challenges. Ris also pointed out how failures of current guidelines developed in 2007 have contributed to the current crisis on the Colorado River.

Under the 2007 Guidelines, releases from Lakes Powell and Mead were unsustainable and not in alignment with available supplies. This was due to downstream demands driving water releases, while Upper Basin states self-regulated their usage when there was not enough available. On average, Lower Basin uses 11 million acre-feet per year, while Upper Basin states only use 4.3 million acre-feet per year, which is significantly less than their Compact apportionment. This lack of available water has resulted in mandatory cuts to Colorado's water supply, averaging 600,000 acre-feet per year and 1.2 million acre-feet across the Upper Basin.

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In conclusion, Colorado is advocating for a sustainable management framework that addresses the depleted storage in Lake Powell and Lake Mead and minimizes risk for all those who rely on the Colorado River. They are committed to working with other basin states, tribes, water users, and stakeholders to find a solution that benefits everyone. As they await the finalization of the Environmental Impact Statement, they hope that their comments will be taken into consideration to ensure a sustainable future for the Colorado River.

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